SDSN at the 80th UN General Assembly and NYC Climate Week
As world leaders gather in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (September 9-29, 2025) and New York City Climate Week (September 22-28, 2025), the spotlight is on urgent global challenges — from escalating geopolitical tensions to the accelerating climate crisis. Against this backdrop, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) will host a series of high-impact events bringing together diplomats, academics, policymakers, and civil society leaders.
These gatherings are designed not only to address immediate crises but also to rethink and strengthen the global systems needed for peace, sustainability, and equitable development in the decades ahead. They will emphasize the urgency of moving from commitment to implementation, the importance of mobilizing coalitions of the willing, and the need to invest in long-term, knowledge-driven solutions that connect global goals to action. From simulating high-stakes diplomacy to exploring structural reforms of the UN Charter, the SDSN’s events this September offer spaces for strategic thinking, practical problem-solving, and cross-sector collaboration.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
The Peace Games | September 13 to 14
In an era of mounting geopolitical tensions, the risk of great-power conflict is real—and the need for effective diplomacy is more urgent than ever. Will future leaders navigate crises through negotiation, or will they default to military escalation?
The Peace Games will explore these questions by simulating a global crisis on the brink of war between major powers. Unlike traditional war games, which focus on military strategies, this simulation centers on diplomacy as the tool for preventing conflict. Teams representing the U.S., China, Russia, India, Japan, and other key actors will be guided by seasoned diplomats, military experts, and political leaders, alongside Columbia University students.
The exercise aims to generate valuable insights into the dynamics of peacebuilding and the real-world challenges of conflict prevention.
Open only to Columbia University students.
Conference on Reform of the UN Charter | September 17
The United Nations remains vital in addressing global crises, from armed conflicts to climate breakdown, yet its governance structures face serious strain. Great-power rivalries, inadequate funding, frequent vetoes, and limited enforceability of international law have hindered its effectiveness.
The Summit of the Future in 2024 discussed some of these structural shortcomings and adopted a Pact for the Future, calling for UN system reform. The challenge now is to implement meaningful changes that match the needs of our times. The SDSN will host a one-day brainstorming on the Reform of the UN Charter, with special consideration of Article 109 of the UN Charter, which enables a General Conference of the Members of the United Nations to consider changes to the UN Charter.
Invitation only. Learn more.
SDSN Network Chairs Meeting | September 18
Spanning six continents, the SDSN network comprises over 2,000 member institutions, primarily universities, coordinated by 59 National and Regional Networks. Each network tailors its work to local priorities while advancing global sustainable development goals.
The annual Network Chairs Meeting offers a space for these leaders to share strategies, forge collaborations, and accelerate practical solutions to pressing development challenges.
Invitation only.
SDSN Leadership Council Meeting | September 19
The SDSN Leadership Council brings together more than 95 eminent figures from academia, business, civil society, and government to guide the network’s strategic direction.
This year’s meeting will address a set of critical, intersecting global topics at a time of rapid geopolitical change: financing for development in an increasingly zero-sum world, the evolving trade regime, critical actions to mobilize finance flows for the energy transition as we approach UNFCCC COP30, and opportunities to advance inclusive and equitable education across Africa.
Invitation only.
Sovereign Capital for Global Impact: Unlocking SDG Investment Potential | September 21
Jointly convened by the UN Joint SDG Fund, the SDSN, and Danantara (Indonesia’s new Sovereign Wealth Fund), this exclusive high-level panel will unite distinguished speakers and a senior audience of global Sovereign Wealth Fund leaders, institutional investors, and development partners for a strategic dialogue on mobilizing sovereign capital for sustainable development. The discussion will serve as a pivotal first step toward creating an SDG-aligned, sovereign-led investment platform rooted in multilateral collaboration and emerging market leadership, laying the groundwork for broader engagement and formal structuring in the months ahead, beginning with a field mission to Indonesia.
Invitation only.
Education for Peace & Planet: From Histories to Futures | September 22
Join the SDSN, Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development, Mission 4.7, SDGs Today, and the Global Schools Program for a full-day, hybrid event spotlighting the transformative power of education for peace, sustainability, and global cooperation
Anchored in the Ages of Globalization learning initiative, this gathering will bring together educators, youth, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore how historical insights, socio-emotional well-being, and systems thinking can shape just and resilient futures. It will feature interactive panels, global spotlights, networking opportunities, and a keynote from Prof. Jeffrey Sachs.
Register to attend in-person or online.
9th NYC Green School Conference | September 23-24
The 9th NYC Green School Conference, hosted by Green Mentors, is an annual event bringing together local and national experts on education and green skills. This year, the Conference will invite educators, policymakers, students, university leaders, climate innovators, investors, and representatives from global institutions to engage in plenary discussions and workshops.
The SDSN’s Global Schools Program and SDG Academy are joining forces on a dual panel on education for sustainable development and integrating the SDGs into teaching and learning.
Register to attend in-person.